Taits Beach (Hawke's Bay)

Taits Beach (Hawke's Bay) is an exposed sandbar beach break that can work at any time of the year, with the best month noted as June and the best timing described as mid tide. Surf performance is strongly dependent on the sandbar, so conditions can vary—particularly after storm activity near the river mouth. The spot is best on an easterly swell, with optimal swell directions reported as east (with southeast also cited). Northwest winds are typically the preferred wind direction for surf, functioning offshore and grooming the swell for cleaner, peeling faces. Wave character is generally described as mixed and average-to-moderate in power, with peaks that can be punchy and rides that are often medium in length when the sandbar setup is favorable. Access is via Waikare Road from State Highway 2, with the final approach involving gravel leading onto the beach, plus limited unsealed parking near the access point. Sessions are described as generally quiet, though there can still be local use at times. Because the beach is remote, it’s important to plan for limited rescue options and to avoid being caught without support if conditions deteriorate. Safety-wise, the primary concern is rip currents and river-mouth related currents, alongside submerged debris such as debris after heavy rain and occasional submerged logs. Local guidance emphasizes checking sandbar conditions at the Waikari River mouth after storms and traveling with a partner, particularly given the patchy/no-cell-service risk.